Cassette with Non-Uniform Liner Cavity

ABSTRACT

A cassette for disposing waste is provided having a variable cross-sectional geometry. The cross-sectional geometry varies at least at two locations around the periphery of the cassette such that a first maximum height at a first location is different than a second maximum height at a second different location, and the first maximum width at a first location is different than a second maximum width at a second location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/288,069, filed Jan. 28, 2016, the entirety of which isincorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for packaging disposablematerial or objects into a tubular flexible plastic film material ingeneral, and to cassettes for providing the tubular flexible plasticfilm material in particular.

2. Background Information

Waste disposal devices that include a film-dispensing cassette arecommonly used to throw away odorous waste, such as diapers and litter.In such waste disposal devices, the film-dispensing cassettes aresupported at an opening of a bin and dispense a tubular film projectinginto the inner cavity of the bin of the waste disposal device. The freeend of the tubular film can be closed to define a bag-like structure.Often, the waste disposal device includes an internal mechanism thatcloses the bag shut (e.g., by clamping, twisting, etc.), therebyisolating the waste in the bag below the internal mechanism, andcapturing the odors in the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a film-dispensingcassette for a waste disposal device is provided. The cassette has avariable geometry. The cassette has an inner cavity edge defining acentral opening through which liner film is disposed to collect and holdwaste. The cassette has an outer cavity edge defining the outerperiphery of the cassette. The inner cavity edge also defines an innercavity wall. The outer cavity edge also defines and outer cavity wall.The inner cavity wall and outer cavity wall are joined by a bottom walland/or a top panel, thereby forming a liner cavity. The bottom wall hasan inner edge and an outer edge. The top panel has an inner edge and anouter edge. In certain embodiments, the inner edge of any wall or panelcoincides with or is proximal to the inner edge of any adjacent wall orpanel thereby forming a portion of the liner cavity, and likewise istrue for outer edges of such walls and/or panels.

In some embodiments, the cassette has only portions of the liner cavity,for instance, the outer or inner cavity wall the bottom wall, or toppanel. In these embodiments, the wall, panel, surface or edge definingsuch a wall, panel or surface, may vary in at least at two positionsalong the outer perimeter or inner perimeter of the cassette.Optionally, these embodiments have a liner film attached to such wall orpanel at a first end of the liner film, and the second end of the linerfilm is closed, closeable, sealed, sealable to form a bag-likestructure. Such bags may have pleats or folds to provide expansivestorage properties. In such embodiments, the inner wall, outer wall,surface, bottom wall, and/or top panel may have a variable geometry suchthat the height is variable along the wall or surface, or the width isvariable along the wall, panel or surface, or both the height and widthare variable.

The film dispensing cassette has a central passage through which filmextends and creates a barrier between the waste received within the filmand the body of the disposal device. The liner film is at leastpartially contained, prior to use and during use, within a liner cavityin the cassette. The liner film is at least partially contained withinthe liner cavity until the liner film is exhausted and the cassetteneeds to be replaced. The liner cavity has a cross-sectional geometrythat varies around a perimeter of the cassette at least at two differentpoints.

The liner cavity, for example, has a first position along the perimeterof the cassette with a cross-sectional geometry generally equal to asecond position along the perimeter of the cassette having a secondcross-sectional geometry. The first cross-sectional geometry isdifferent from the second cross-sectional geometry.

In further embodiments, the cassette has an outer cavity wall generallyopposite the inner cavity wall and defining the outer perimeter of theliner cavity. In further embodiments, the cassette includes a bottomcavity wall that at least partially connects the outer cavity wall andthe inner cavity wall. In yet other embodiments, the cassette has a toppanel that assists in the at least partial containment of the liner filmwithin the liner cavity (prior to and during use until the liner film isexhausted). In some such embodiments, the top panel is sized such that agenerally uniform cavity opening is provided and enables generallyconsistent dispensation of the liner film at any given position alongthe perimeter of the cassette, regardless of whether the maximum heightand/or width at such positions are the same or different.

In some embodiments, the geometry of the cassette is such that, whenresting on a flat surface such as a shelf or table, the cassette isbalanced and stable so as not to rock. Further, when two or morecassettes are stacked together, the top of each cassette is designed togeometrically mate with the bottom of another cassette so as to maintainrelative position to each other.

The present disclosure is described herein in terms of aspects andembodiments of those aspects that include elements or features that maybe included with the aspects. The identified embodiments may be includedwith the aspect of the invention singularly or in combination with anyof the other identified embodiments as will be described herein below inthe Detailed Description. The features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent in light of the detailed description ofthe invention provided below, and as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective of a waste disposal device.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective of a waste disposal device, illustrating alid rotated to an open position.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a film-dispensing cassettewith a segment of liner film drawn out of a liner cavity and through acentral passage of the cassette.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of a film-dispensing cassetteembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a film-dispensing cassetteembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top view of a film-dispensing cassetteembodiment.

FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.6, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 6A-6A.

FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.6, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 6B-6B.

FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.6, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 6C-6C.

FIG. 6D is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.6, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 6D-6D.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the cassette embodiment shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top view of a film-dispensing cassetteembodiment.

FIG. 8A is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.8, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 8A-8A.

FIG. 8B is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.8, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 8B-8B.

FIG. 8C is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.8, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 8C-8C.

FIG. 8D is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.8, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 8D-8D.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of the cassette embodiment shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic top view of a film-dispensing cassetteembodiment.

FIG. 10A is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.10, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 10A-10A.

FIG. 10B is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.10, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 10B-10B.

FIG. 10C is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.10, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 10C-10C.

FIG. 10D is a diagrammatic sectional view of the cassette shown in FIG.10, showing a liner cavity cross-section at section 10D-10D.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view of the cassette embodiment shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a cassette embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a cassette embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a cassette embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a diagrammatic section view of the cassette shown in FIG.14, showing a line cavity cross-section at 14A-14A.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic section view of a cassette embodiment overlaidwith a circle.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic section view of a cassette embodiment overlaidwith a circle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, a film-dispensing cassette 20 for use ina waste-disposal device is provided. The waste disposal device and thecassette 20 may be used for storing any type of waste items, but arewell suited for the disposal of diapers, feminine hygiene, adultincontinence, and pet waste. The cassette includes a film that is atleast partially stored within the cassette, which film is configurableto form a bag-like structure. The cassette 20 includes a central passage44 through which waste is passed. The present cassette 20 may be usedwith a variety of different types of waste-disposal devices, andtherefore is not limited to any particular type of waste-disposal device22. To facilitate the description of the present cassette 20, anexemplary non-limiting embodiment of a waste disposal device 22 withwhich the present cassette 20 may be used is provided below.

The waste disposal device 22 includes a housing 24, a lid 26, and a footpedal 28. To facilitate the description herein, the waste disposaldevice 22 is described herein as having a width that extends along anX-axis, a depth that extends along a Y-axis, and a height that extendsalong a Z-axis; where X, Y, and Z are orthogonal axes. The housing 24may also be described as having two side panels 30A, 30B that extenddepthwise between a front panel 32 and a rear panel 34. The housing 24may include a door 33 that provides access to an interior storage region29. In some embodiments, the housing has a bin 33 a. The bin 33 a can beconnectable to the door 33 such that bin 33 a is removable when the door33 is opened and/or removable from the housing 24.

Depressing the foot pedal 28 operates a linkage (not shown) that causesthe lid 26 to open and provides access to the inner storage region 29 ofthe waste disposal device 22. In some waste-disposal devices 22,depressing the foot pedal 28 also causes a mechanism within thewaste-disposal device 22 (e.g., a liner clamping assembly) to move to an“open position” where it does not impede deposit of waste within a linerdisposed within the inner storage region. When the foot pedal 28 isreleased, the lid 26 closes automatically and the mechanism returns toits normally closed position (e.g., an “at rest” state). In the closedposition, the mechanism clamps (or otherwise closes) the liner (e.g., tomitigate odor emanation).

Some waste disposal devices 22 are configured to permit insertion orremoval of a film-dispensing cassette 20 in the portion of the housingdisposed vertically below the lid 26. The exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 has such a configuration. Other waste disposal devices 22may be configured to permit insertion or removal of a film-dispensingcassette 20 from a front surface of the housing 24. Embodiments of thepresent film-dispensing cassette 20 may be used in either of theseconfigurations, and as indicated above, the present cassette 20 is notlimited to use in any particular waste disposal device 22.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 13-14, the present film-dispensing cassette20 may be described as having a widthwise extending axis 36 (e.g.,extending in an X-axis direction) and a depthwise extending axis 38(extending in a Y-axis direction) that orthogonally bisect a centerpoint. In the X-Y plane, the cassette 20 may be symmetrical relative theone or both axes 36, 38, or may be non-symmetrical relative to one orboth axes 36, 38. The cassette 20 includes a liner cavity 40 forcontaining a supply of liner film 42 and a central passage 44. The linercavity 40 may be described as having a forward region 46, an aft region48, a first side region 50, and a second side region 52. The first andsecond side regions 50, 52 extend between the forward and aft regions46, 48, on opposite sides of the central passage 44. As shown in FIG. 4,axes 36, 38 split cassette 20 into four general sectors, a forward firstside region 37, a forward second side region 39, an aft first sideregion 41, and an aft second side region 43.

The liner cavity 40 may assume a variety of configurations to hold thesupply of liner film 42. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 13-14,the liner cavity 40 is defined by an inner cavity wall 54, a bottomcavity wall 56, and an outer cavity wall 58. The inner cavity wall 54 isradially inside of the outer cavity wall 58 (e.g. the inner cavity wall54 is disposed closer to the center of the central passage 44 than theouter cavity wall 58) and the bottom cavity wall 56 extends between andat least partially connects with the inner cavity wall 54 and the outercavity wall 58. Although the inner cavity wall 54, bottom cavity wall56, and outer cavity wall 58 are shown in FIGS. 3-5 as having a solidwall structure, they are not limited to a solid wall configuration,e.g., one or more of the inner cavity wall 54, bottom cavity wall 56,and outer cavity wall 58 may assume any configuration adequate to holdthe supply of liner film 42. The liner cavity 40 may be formed as acontinuous one-piece structure (e.g., the inner and outer cavity walls54, 58 and bottom cavity wall 56 formed as a continuous one-piecestructure), or they may be multiple pieces connected together.

The inner cavity wall 54, bottom cavity wall 56, an outer cavity wall 58are relatively configured to give the liner cavity 40 an open channelshape. The inner cavity wall 54 and the outer cavity wall 58 may beparallel to one another (e.g., in the Z-axis direction), or they may benon-parallel (e.g., skewed at an angle) relative to one another, or thedistance between the two may vary at different points. The bottom cavitywall 56 may be planar or non-planar (e.g., arcuate). The bottom cavitywall 56 may extend perpendicular to the inner and outer cavity walls 54,58, or it may be skewed at an angle other than ninety degrees. In theembodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5, the opening 60 of the liner cavity 40extends between a top surface edge of the inner cavity wall 54 and a topsurface edge of the outer cavity wall 58. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3-5, the inner cavity wall 54 defines the geometry of the centralpassage 44. In alternative embodiments, the central passage 44 may bedefined by a structure other than the inner cavity wall 54.

The cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40 varies dependingupon the location of the cross-section around the perimeter of thecassette 20. The term “cross-sectional geometry” of the liner cavity 40(at a given perimeter position) is defined herein as the geometry of across-sectional plane (e.g., extending in the X-Z plane, or the Y-Zplane, etc.) that is perpendicular to inner cavity wall 54 and the outercavity wall 58. For purposes of describing the cross-sectional geometryof the liner cavity 40, the “height” of the liner cavity 40 extends in aZ-axis direction from the opening 60 of the liner cavity 40 to theinterior surface of the bottom cavity wall 56, and the “width” of theliner cavity 40 extends between the interior surfaces of the inner andouter cavity walls 54, 58. A liner cavity 40 according to the presentdisclosure includes at least two different cross-sectional geometries;e.g., a first cross-sectional geometry with a maximum height (Hmax1)that differs from the maximum height (Hmax2) of a second cross-sectionalgeometry, and a maximum width (Wmax1) that differs from the maximumwidth of the second cross-sectional geometry (Wmax2). Further varyinggeometries are provided for, such as Hmax3 . . . HmaxN, and Wmax3 . . .WmaxN. Stated another way, the maximum height at a first location alongthe perimeter of the cassette 20, such as in the forward region 46, maybe different than the maximum height along the perimeter of the cassette20 in the first side region 50, as shown in FIG. 3. As demonstrated bythe exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, the aft region 48 is shown to have amaximum width that is different than the maximum width in the secondside region 52.

Typically, the cross-sectional area of the liner cavity 40 (i.e., thearea of the cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to inner cavitywall 54 (i.e. a vertical slice) and the outer cavity wall 58 thatresides within the liner cavity 40; i.e., in the ZY or ZX plane) remainssubstantially constant around the cassette perimeter to enable the linercavity 40 to accept a uniform volume of liner 42 around the cassetteperimeter.

The cassette 20 embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, has aliner cavity 40 with a cross-sectional geometry that varies around theperimeter of the liner cavity 40. FIGS. 6A-6D are diagrammaticcross-sections of the liner cavity 40 at the respective positionsindicated in FIG. 6; i.e., an aft region position (FIG. 6A), at aforward region position (FIG. 6B), a first side region position (FIG.6C), and a second side region position (FIG. 6D). As can be seen inFIGS. 6A-6D, the liner cavity 40 has a height H1 and a width W1 at theaft region position, a height H2 and a width W2 at the first side regionposition, a height H3 and a width W3 at the second side region position,and a height H4 and a width W4 at the forward region position. In thisembodiment, the height and width at the liner cavity side regionpositions are substantially equal one another (i.e., H2=H3 and W2=W3),the height of the liner cavity 40 at the aft region position is greaterthan the height of the liner cavity 40 at the forward region position(i.e., H1>H4), and the width of the liner cavity 40 at the aft regionposition is less than the width of the liner cavity 40 at the forwardregion position (i.e., W1<W4). The cross-sectional area of the linercavity 40 at the aforesaid perimeter positions are substantially equalone another. In the particular configuration of this embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A-6D, the cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40 in theaft region 48 and a substantial portion of each side region 50, 52 isthe same, the cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40 in theforward region 46 differs from the cross-sectional geometry of the aftand side regions, and a portion of each side region transitions betweenthe two cross-sectional geometries (e.g., see FIG. 7).

In an alternative configuration (see FIGS. 8, 8A-8D, and 9), thecross-sectional geometries of the liner cavity 40 of the first sideregion 50, a portion of the aft region 48, and a portion of the forwardregion 46 may be the same (e.g., each have width W5 and height H5), andthe cross-sectional geometry of the second side region 52 (e.g., widthW6 and height H6) may differ therefrom. In this configuration, a portionof the aft region 48 and the forward region 46 transition between thetwo cross-sectional geometries.

In another alternative configuration, the cross-sectional geometry ofthe liner cavity 40 may be substantially constant in the first andsecond side regions 50, 52 and substantially constant in the forward andaft regions 46, 48. The cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40in the side regions 50, 52 is, however, different (e.g., narrowerwidthwise) from the cross-sectional geometry of the forward and aftregions 46, 48. FIGS. 10, 10A-10D, and 11 illustrate such a geometrywherein the cross-sectional geometry of the forward and aft regions 46,48 has a height H7 and a width W7, and the cross-sectional geometry ofthe first and second liner cavity side regions 50, 52 has a height H8and a width H8. The height of the liner cavity forward and aft regions46, 48 is less than the height of the liner cavity side regions 50, 52(H7<H8), and the width of the liner cavity forward and aft regions 46,48 is greater than the width of the liner cavity side regions 50, 52(W7>W8). This liner cavity 40 configuration permits a widthwise narrowercassette 20 configuration relative to a cassette 20 with a liner cavity40 having uniform cross-sectional geometry around the entire perimeterfor a given central passage 44 maximum width. A further cassette 20embodiment may adopt the converse configuration; e.g., one in which thecross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40 in the side regions 50,52 is wider widthwise than the cross-sectional geometry of the forwardand aft regions 46, 48. This liner cavity 40 configuration permits adepthwise narrower cassette 20 configuration relative to a cassette 20with a liner cavity 40 having uniform cross-sectional geometry aroundthe entire perimeter for a given central passage 44 maximum depth.

In some embodiments, the liner cavity 40 does not have a uniformcross-sectional geometry about the entire inner upper edge 54 a, innerupper edge 54 b, or outer upper edge 58 a, or outer lower edge 58 b. Insome such embodiments, the inner perimeter as defined by 54 a or 54 b,or outer perimeter as defined by 58 a or 58 b, with respect to theother, undergo a translation such that a further narrower region along aportion of the liner cavity 40 is achieved without growing the height inthat region. In some such embodiments, a maximum dimension (i.e.widthwise and/or depthwise) can be achieved in a region of the cassette20 to provide an advantageous configuration for waste disposal, ascontemplated by the present disclosure. Accordingly, the translation canoccur with respect to the X and/or Y axes such that the shift is in theXY plane.

In some embodiments, a cassette 20 is provided having a balancedgeometry. As described herein, “balanced” refers to a cassette 20 thatis able to rest upon a substantially planar surface with little or nooscillation, such that it is generally stabilized (e.g., stays in astatic position in the absence of an applied force). These embodimentsare preferred in terms of stacking multiple cassettes 20, and/orconfiguring cassettes 20 for shipping and/or storage. In someembodiments, the cassette 20 has at least two portions with asubstantially flat bottom wall 56 that act as stabilizing means. Suchregions are referred to as plateaus 57 as shown in FIG. 9. For example,a cassette 20 as exemplified in FIGS. 6-7 may have an H1 and H2 that aresubstantially equal, and/or an H3 and H4 that are substantially equal.In some embodiments the length of the region where such height issubstantially constant (i.e. the plateau 57) is at least 10% of thelength of the maximum depthwise direction have H1 substantially equal toH2 for at least about 10% of the length of region 50 and/or region 52.Alternatively, the length can be respective to the maximum widthwisedimension. In some embodiments, the plateau 57 where such height issubstantially constant is at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, atleast 300, at least 50%, or at least 75% of the maximum dimension (i.e.,widthwise or depthwise).

In the aforementioned embodiments, the top panel 60 may also havesimilar plateaus 57 as the bottom wall 56, such that cassettes 20 arebalanced when stacked, and/or are easy to align in a stackedconfiguration.

In some of the aforementioned embodiments, the plateaus 57 can also helpproperly orient the cassette 20 into waste disposal device 22, wherewaste disposal device 22 has a receiving geometry suitably configured tomate with such plateaus 57.

Heights, for exemplary purposes, H7 and H8 vary between about 40 mm andabout 70 mm. In some embodiments, H7 and H8 are between about 30 mm andabout 50 mm. The ratio of H7 to H8 is between about 0.5 to about 1.0.

Widths W7 and W8 vary between about 10 mm and about 40 mm. In someembodiments, W7 and W8 are between about 20 mm and about 35 mm. Theratio of W7 to W8 is between about 0.25 to about 1.0.

In some embodiments, the ratio of H7 to H8 is between about 0.8 and 1.0,and the ratio of W7 to W8 is between about 0.8 and 1.0. The ratio of H7to W7 is between about 1.0 to about 7.0, and the ratio of H8 to W8 isbetween about 1.0 to about 7.0. In some embodiments, the ratio of H7 toW7 is between about 1.0 to about 2.0, and the ratio of H8 to W8 isbetween about 1.0 to about 2.0. In some embodiments, the ratio of H7 toW7 will be less than or greater than the ratio of H8 to W8.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40may be asymmetrical in one or more of the first and second side regions50, 52, respectively, and the forward and aft regions 46, 48, relativeto the other regions or sectors 37, 39, 41, 43. The asymmetry amongstthe regions 46, 48, 50, 52 or sectors 37, 39, 41, 43 can be utilized toaccommodate structural elements within the waste disposal device 22. Forexample, some waste disposal device 22 embodiments may include structurefor securing the cassette 20 within the device 22, which structure isdisposed on a single side of the device. Embodiments of the presentcassette 20 can be asymmetrically configured to provide clearancerelative to the structure, and still provide the desired cassette 20orientation within the device 22. For example, FIG. 12 shows an aftregion with an asymmetrical configuration (e.g., a section 49 of the aftregion 48 wherein the bottom cavity wall 56 deviates from the contour ofthe remainder of the aft region 48) relative to, for example, theforward region 46. In this type of liner cavity 40 configuration (andothers like it), the cross-sectional area of the liner cavity 40 (i.e.,the area of the cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to innercavity wall 54 and the outer cavity wall 58 that resides within theliner cavity 40) may not be substantially constant around the entirecassette perimeter; e.g., the cross-sectional area of the liner cavity40 in the asymmetrical portion may be less than the cross-sectional areaof the liner cavity 40 elsewhere around the perimeter of the cassette20.

FIGS. 15-16 provide a top view of and overlays a cassette 1000 and anexemplary cassette 20 of the present disclosure. FIGS. 15-16 demonstrateembodiments having one or more splines configured to create a generallyarcuate shape defining the front region 46, aft region 48 and/or sideregions 50, 52, of cassette 20. For instance, four splines may beconnected such that a first spline 400 and a second spline 402 aregenerally the same geometry, and a third spline 404 and fourth spline406 are generally the same geometry but are different from the geometryof the first and second splines 400, 402. This exemplary combination ofsplines provides symmetry with respect to the depthwise axis 920. Incertain embodiments, the cassette 20 may be shaped (due theconfiguration of the splines defining the front region 46) such that thegreatest widthwise dimension 910 in cassette 20 is between the frontregion 46 of the cassette 20 and the midpoint 1012 of exemplary knownround cassette 1000 length. In other embodiments, there may be more thanfour splines to further augment geometry, such as five, six, seven,eight, n, etc. In alternative embodiments, there are three splines 500,502, 504, such that one spline does not correspond with another spline.

In some embodiments, one ore splines provide a maximum widthwisedimension 410 between the front region 46 and the midpoint of themaximum lengthwise dimension 412, and/or a maximum depthwise dimension412 aligned with the depthwise axis of cassette 20.

The maximum widthwise dimension of the central passage 44 is greaterthan or equal to 100 mm. In further embodiments, the maximum widthwisedimension is between about 100 mm to about 140 mm. In furtherembodiments, the maximum widthwise dimension is greater than about 110mm. In some embodiments, the maximum widthwise dimension of the centralpassage 44 is about 10% greater than the maximum widthwise dimension ofknown cassette 1000.

In further embodiments, splines are utilized to maximize the area of thecentral passage to reduce difficulty with inserting messy, large and/orodd-shaped waste such as diapers or waste disposing accoutrements suchas scoops.

As shown in exemplary FIGS. 15-16, the cassette 1000 has a shortercentral passage 1002 diameter in the widthwise and depthwise directionsthan the exemplary cassette 20 and likewise the outer wall 1004 has asmaller diameter. Cassette 20 also has its maximum widthwise dimension910 situated below the midpoint 1012 of cassette 1000 a distance 914such that the largest widthwise dimension 912 of the cassette 20 iscloser to the front region 46 and thus helps reduce the distance auser's arm/hand travels to deposit the waste into central passage 44. Insome embodiments, the location of the maximum widthwise dimension 910being within the front region 46 is due to the variable cross-sectionpermitting a narrower liner cavity 40 dimension in the front region thanin the aft region. Distance 914 is at least 10 mm and can be up to about70 mm. In another embodiment, the distance 916 between the intersectionof the maximum widthwise dimension 910 and the depthwise axis 920 andthe front region 46 of the central passage 44 is between about 20 mm andabout 70 mm. In further embodiments, distance 916 is between about 50 mmand about 70 mm. In some embodiments, distance 916 is less than 60 mm.

The distance 918 between the intersection of the maximum widthwisedimension 910 and the depthwise axis 920 is between about 50 mm andabout 140 mm. In further embodiments, the distance 918 is between about50 mm and about 90 mm. In further embodiments, the distance 918 isgreater than 60 mm. In further embodiments, the distance 918 is greaterthan 70 mm. The distance 918 is greater than or equal to 50% of theentire length of the maximum depthwise dimension while distance 916 isless than or equal to 50% of the entire length of the maximum depthwisedimension.

FIGS. 15-16 also demonstrate cassette 20 having longer depthwisedimension such that larger waste can be deposited. The maximum depthwisedimension is located along the depthwise axis such that large waste doesnot need to be pivoted to enter central passage; it can be depositedstraight-on from the front of the pail without undue pivoting of thewaste. In some embodiments, the maximum depthwise dimension is theperpendicular bisector of the front edge (or front panel 32) of thewaste disposal device 22.

FIG. 15 further demonstrates central passage 44 with a larger forwardportion area than that of cassette 1000, where the forward portion isdefined as the portion of the central passage 44 between the forwardregion 46 extending to the maximum widthwise dimension 916. This can bedescribed as the area in the forward portion of the central passage 44to the product of the maximum widthwise dimension and the distance 916for given a constant perimeter of liner film 42. The equation isgenerally represented as:

Forward Area Aspect Ratio=(forward portion area)/(910*916)

The Forward Area Aspect Ratio is between about 0.5 and about 1.5.

FIG. 15 demonstrates a second aspect ratio showing the redistribution ofarea with cassettes 20 of the present disclosure, focusing on the aftportion area. The aft portion area is defined as the portion of thecentral passage 44 between the aft region 48 and the widthwise axisextending through the midpoint 1012 of the central passage 44 (i.e.corresponding to distance 918 minus distance 914, as per FIG. 15). Thiscan be described as the Aft Area Aspect Ratio of the area in the aftportion of the central passage 44 to the product of the widthwisedimension at midpoint 1012 and distance 918 minus distance 914, forgiven a constant perimeter of liner film 42.

Aft Area Aspect Ratio=(aft portion area)/(1010*(918−914))

The Aft Area Aspect Ratio is between about 0.3 and about 2.0.

A further ratio of the Forward Area Aspect Ratio to the Aft Area AspectRatio is called the Maximum Area Ratio. The Maximum Area Ratio isbetween about 0.25 and about 5. Generally, this describes the relativedistribution of the surface area of the central passage 44. In someembodiments, the Maximum Area Ratio is between about 0.25 and about 1.In further embodiments, the Maximum Area ratio is less than about 0.9.In other embodiments, the Maximum Area Ratio is between about 1 andabout 5. In yet other embodiments, the Maximum Area Ratio is greaterthan about 1.1.

FIG. 16, although showing an exemplary embodiment of central passage 44,can also similarly illustrate the outer cavity wall 58. Both FIGS. 15-16demonstrate geometries of the present disclosure that relocate surfacearea of the cassette 20 such that a larger opening space is located inthe forward region and/or a larger opening space is located in the aftregion in order to accommodate oddly shaped waste.

The above described liner cavity 40 configurations representnon-limiting examples of a liner cavity 40 having a cross-sectionalgeometry that varies at least at two different points along theperimeter of the cassette 20. The present disclosure is not limited tothese examples. One skilled in the art understands that differentgeometric configurations such as circles, ovals, arcuate shapes,undulating shapes, stepped shapes, chamfers, triangles, Reuleauxtriangles, frusto-conical shapes, conics, other polygons andcombinations thereof are within the scope of the present disclosure (inboth vertical and/or horizontal cross-sectional orientations). Forinstance, in a generally triangular shaped cross-section, Wmax1 maydescribe the width of the panel defining the base of the triangle andHmax1 might correlate to the perpendicular bisector of the baseextending to the opposite vertex. One skilled in the art understandsthat the area of the triangle in this case would be ½*(Hmax1*Wmax1). Ininstances where a portion of the cross-section was, for example,generally triangular and a portion of the cross-section was, for examplepartially circular, in certain embodiments the cross-sectional area ofeach would be generally equal such that ½*(Hmax1*Wmax1)≈Π((Hmax2)/2)²).Other areas can be calculated via known mathematical calculations and/orvia integration.

The varying cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40 providesseveral advantages beyond those provided above. For example, the varyingcross-sectional geometry makes it easy for a user to identify thecorrect orientation of the cassette 20 within the waste disposal device22 (e.g., the at least partially asymmetric shape can only be insertedinto the waste disposal device 22 in a single orientation), and yetpermits a uniform volume of liner 42 (i.e. such that any givencross-sectional slice along the z axis has substantially the samecross-sectional area) to disposed in the liner cavity 40 around theentire liner cavity perimeter. For those embodiments that have asubstantially constant cross-sectional area around the perimeter of thecassette, the uniform volume of liner 42 around the entire liner cavityperimeter facilitates uniform liner dispensing within the waste disposaldevice 22. The varying cross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40can also make the cassette 20 easier to install into and be removed fromthe waste disposal device 22; e.g., a cassette 20 having a shallowerfront portion may be rotated relative to the waste disposal device 22 tofacilitate removal, as opposed to a cassette 20 that installed/removedalong a purely vertical axis. Also as described above, the varyingcross-sectional geometry of the liner cavity 40 can also accommodateasymmetric positioning of structural elements within the waste disposaldevice 22. The varying cross-sectional geometry enables the cassette 20to “sit” within an asymmetric cassette “seat”, and still provide thedesired cassette 20 orientation within the device 22.

The liner film 42 is a film formed in a closed perimeter configurationthat extends a length. The closed perimeter configuration is such thatthe liner material has a continuous perimeter that extends lengthwise;e.g., the configuration may be described as “tubular”. Thecross-sectional configuration of the liner film 42 (i.e., thecross-sectional perimeter shape) may vary depending on the particularconfiguration. The liner film 42 is comprised of a material that isflexible, capable of being stored within the liner cavity 40, capable ofbeing readily drawn out of the liner cavity 40, and capable of beingformed in a closed configuration (e.g., knotted) as will be describedbelow. A flexible plastic film is an example of an acceptable liner film42. The liner film 42 can include one or more layers of polyethylene,polypropylene, polyester, EVA, EVOH, nylon, tie resin, and may furtherinclude additives such as carbon, calcium carbonate, talc, titaniumdioxide and slip agents. Embodiments of the liner film 60 may includeagents that mask odor such as fragrance, mitigate odors including odoradsorbers and odor absorbers, etc.

The liner film 42 is stored within the liner cavity 40 in an orientationthat allows incremental portions of the liner to be drawn out of theliner cavity 40. The cassette 20 may be configured such that the linerfilm 42 can be drawn out of the liner cavity 40 through an openingdisposed around the cassette perimeter at the liner cavity opening 60,e.g., the cassette 20 diagrammatically shown in FIG. 3 includes a toppanel 62 that substantially covers the liner cavity opening 60, creatingthe opening through which the liner film 42 is drawn out of the linercavity 40. The present cassette 20 is not limited to any particularliner path configuration; e.g., liner film 42 may alternatively be drawnout of the liner cavity 40 through the bottom cavity wall, inner cavitywall 54, or the outer cavity wall 58 of the liner cavity 40. The presentcassette 20 is also not limited to any particular manner for arrangingthe liner film 42 within the liner cavity 40 (e.g., folded, pleated,etc.), provided the liner film 42 can be readily drawn out from theliner cavity 40 on demand by the user.

In some embodiments, the cassette 20 includes a top panel 62 to assistwith containing liner film 42 within the liner cavity 40 prior to andduring use until the liner film 42 is exhausted. The top panel 62 alsoassists in controlling the dispensation of the liner film 42. Inembodiments of the present disclosure where the maximum width variesaround the perimeter of cassette 20, the top panel 62 can also vary toprovide a cavity opening 60 with generally the same width at any givenpoint around the cassette 20 perimeter. The top panel 62 can be integralwith the cassette 20 via a living hinge and/or can be connected to thecassette via ultrasonic welding, heat, adhesives, or mechanicallyattached with snap-fits, detents, press-fits, etc. . . .

U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,529 to Tannock, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,293 toRichards et al. describe methods for loading liner film into cassettesand are hereby incorporated by reference. Loading the liner film 42 intothe liner cavity 40 requires moving liner film 42 over a mandrel suchthat the liner film 42 rests outward of the mandrel. The mandrel issized less than the diameter of the liner film 42 but is sized such thatthe liner film 42 is able to move along the length of the mandrel (asper process parameters and mechanics) without undue resistance. Themandrel is sized and shaped similarly to the inner cavity wall 54 ofcassette 20 (i.e. taking a horizontal slice in the XY plane of themandrel that is proximal and/or adjacent and inner cavity wall 54) suchthat the liner film 42 travels along the length of the mandrel towardsthe open end of cassette 20 such that liner film 42 can be loaded intoliner cavity. 40 The peripheral length of the liner film 42 is slightlygreater than the peripheral length of the inner cavity wall 54 and theperipheral length of the liner film 42 is slightly less than peripherallength of the outer cavity wall 58. After the appropriate length ofliner film 42 has been received into liner cavity, the top panel 62 isplaced over the cavity opening 60 to at least partially contain theliner film 42 in the liner cavity 40.

The top panel 62 may optionally include a removal portion 66 such thatit is frangible or peelable, such as a peel tab, label, sticker,perforation or tear strip. Removal portion 66 contains the liner filmplaced inside the liner cavity 40 until the removal portion is removedto reveal the cavity opening. In certain embodiments, the frangibleportion 66 is located adjacent the outer perimeter (i.e. proximal theouter cavity wall 58). In other embodiments, the frangible portion 66 islocated adjacent the inner perimeter (i.e. proximal the inner cavitywall 54 and/or the central passage 44). In yet other embodiments, theperforation (or tear strip) 66 is located towards the middle portion ofthe top panel 62, bottom cavity wall 56, outer cavity wall 58 or innercavity wall 54.

As the liner film 42 is loaded into the liner cavity 40, the liner film42 may creep outward from the liner cavity 42 and may present issueswhen the top panel 62 is placed and connected onto the cassette 20 (i.e.the liner film 42 could be pinched at a point where the top panel 62 isconnected to the cassette 20). To minimize quality issues, the assemblyprocess may provide for pins (or fingers) that help depress the linerfilm 42 into the liner cavity 40 as it is being loaded. In someembodiments, the top panel 62 has apertures sized to receive such pinssuch that the top panel 62 can pass along the pins and ultimatelyconnect to the cassette 20 prior to removal of the pins (i.e. such thatthe liner film 42 is depressed to a position away from the connectionpoint(s) between the top panel 62 and cassette 20 to prevent pinching).In alternate embodiments, pins or fingers may be designed to fit aroundthe top panel 62 (i.e. above and/or below) or have a slim profile toavoid apertures in the top panel. In an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 13, the lid 26 has an undulating shape such that the pins orfingers can fit within local at least one concave portion 21 of theundulating lid 26. In some embodiments, the lid 26 has at least 2concave portions 21. In some such embodiments, the pins or fingers haveside action (i.e., lateral or rotational motion) as opposed to solelylinear vertical motion requiring the apertures in the top panel 62. Inyet other embodiments as exemplified in FIG. 15, the bottom surface 65of top panel 62 (i.e. the surface facing the liner cavity 40 and incontact with liner film 42) may have ribs or protrusions 68 to help pushliner film 42 downward into the liner cavity 40 and away from connectionpoint(s) between the top panel 62 and cassette 20.

The present cassette 20 can be removed and replaced from the wastedisposal device 22 as needed. For example, in the waste disposal device22 embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cassette 20 can be replaced byopening the lid 26, removing the empty cassette 20 from the housing (ifnecessary), and placing an unused cassette 20 into the housing 24. Theuser then withdraws a length of the liner film 42 from the liner cavity40, feeds it through the central passage 44, and into the inner storageregion 29, so that the free end of the liner film 42 is disposed nearthe lower end of the bin 33 a. The user then closes off the free end ofthe liner film 42 to form a liner film “bag” (e.g., by tying the linerfilm 42 into a knot adjacent the free end) and closes the bin 33 a. Inthis configuration, the waste disposal device 22 (and specifically theliner film 42) is ready to receive waste such as, but not limited to,disposable diapers, nappies, training pants, feminine hygiene articles,and incontinence products. Gravitational forces urge whatever waste isdeposited into the liner film bag toward the closed-off free end of theliner film bag. When the liner film bag is full of waste, the upper endof the liner film 42 is separated from the supply of liner film 42 (e.g.by cutting the liner film 42 at a point above the stored waste), and thebag is removed from the waste disposal device 22. The just-separated endof the liner film 42 may then be closed (e.g., by knot or fastener) andthe bag disposed of. The process is then repeated; e.g., the userwithdraws another length of the liner film 42 from the liner cavity 40,drawing it through the cassette central passage 44 and into the bin 33a. The user then closes off the free end of the liner material to form anew liner film bag.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. For instance, specific embodiments providinggeometries in a first configuration could be flipped or rotated.Further, different combinations of different geometries are also withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosedherein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.

1. A film-dispensing cassette for a waste disposal device, comprising: acentral passage; a liner cavity for containing a supply of liner film,said liner cavity extends around said central passage, and said linercavity having a cross-sectional geometry that varies around a perimeterof said cassette at least at two different points.
 2. The cassette ofclaim 1, wherein said area at a first position along the perimeter ofthe cassette having a cross-sectional geometry is generally equal to asecond position along said perimeter of the cassette having a secondcross-sectional geometry, where said first cross-sectional geometry isdifferent from said second cross-sectional geometry.
 3. The cassetteaccording to claim 1, wherein said cassette further comprises a bottomcavity wall defining the liner cavity.
 4. The cassette according toclaim 1, wherein said cassette further comprises a top panel.
 5. Thecassette according to claim 4, wherein said top panel has a tear striplocated either proximal to the inner cavity wall, in the middle portionof the top panel, or a combination thereof.
 6. The cassette according toclaim 4, wherein said top panel comprises ribs or protrusions.
 7. Thecassette according to claim 1, wherein said inner cavity wall isgenerally arcuate.
 8. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein saidouter cavity wall is generally arcuate.
 9. The cassette according toclaim 1, further comprising a forward region, an aft region, a firstside region, and a second side region, wherein said forward region has aforward region maximum height and a forward region maximum width,wherein said aft region has an aft region maximum height and an aftregion maximum width, wherein said first side region has a first sidemaximum height and a first side region maximum width, and wherein saidsecond side region has a second side maximum height and a second sideregion maximum width.
 10. The cassette according to claim 9, whereinsaid first side maximum height is greater than or equal to said forwardside maximum height.
 11. The cassette according to claim 9, wherein saidfirst side maximum height is greater than or equal to said aft sidemaximum height.
 12. The cassette according to claim 9, wherein saidfirst side maximum width is less than or equal to said forward sidemaximum width.
 13. The cassette according to claim 9, wherein said firstside maximum width is less than said aft side maximum width.
 14. Thecassette according to claim 9, wherein said second side maximum heightis about equal to said first side maximum height.
 15. The cassetteaccording to claim 1, wherein said cassette comprises a first sideforward quadrant, a second side forward sector, a first side aft sector,and a second side aft sector, wherein said first side forward sector hasa first sector maximum height and a first sector maximum width, whereinsaid second side forward sector has a second sector maximum height and asecond sector maximum width, wherein said first side aft sector has athird sector maximum height and a third sector maximum width, andwherein said second side aft sector has a fourth sector maximum heightand a fourth sector maximum width.
 16. The cassette according to claim15, wherein said first sector maximum height is less than or equal tosaid third sector maximum height.
 17. The cassette according to claim15, wherein said second sector maximum width is less than or equal tosaid fourth sector maximum width.
 18. A cassette for a waste disposaldevice, comprising: a length of liner film for receiving waste, and acentral passage defined by at least three splines and positioned toreceive said length of liner film therethrough, said central passagehaving a front region and an aft region, said central passage having awidthwise axis that is generally perpendicular to a depthwise axis, saidwidthwise axis and said depthwise axis intersecting at a midpoint ofsaid central passage, wherein said central passage has a maximumwidthwise dimension and a maximum depthwise dimension that is generallyperpendicular to said maximum widthwise dimension, wherein said maximumwidthwise dimension is less than said maximum depthwise dimension,wherein said maximum widthwise dimension is positioned on or betweensaid widthwise axis and said front region, and wherein said maximumdepthwise dimension is positioned along the depthwise axis.
 19. Thecassette according to claim 18, wherein said cassette further comprisesa liner cavity outward of said central passage, said liner cavity atleast partially containing said length of liner film prior to use. 20.The cassette according to claim 18, wherein said central passage has anarcuate shape, quadrilateral shape, polygonal shape, or combinationsthereof.